Squire Patton Boggs: New office for top law firm

With founders including one of Washington’s most powerful lobbyists and an ambitious lawyer from 19th century Bradford, Squire Patton Boggs has an illustrious past.

The international law firm is planning for a bright future with a multi-million pound investment that it hopes will place it at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse in 21st century England. Squire Patton Boggs is investing in new offices for its lawyers in Leeds.

John Alderton, managing partner of the Leeds office, said that the investment demonstrates the firm’s “absolute commitment” to the North of England.

He said: “What this says absolutely, and the new premises coming on stream in Manchester as well, is that there is enormous investment by the firm in the regions.

“We are absolutely committed to Yorkshire, to continuing to service Yorkshire businesses as much as global businesses, and one of our sweet spots is Yorkshire businesses that are growing into global businesses.”

The firm is taking 39,000 sq ft across two floors at Wellington Place, a new office development in the growing commercial district between Whitehall Road and Wellington Street. It will be home to 240 staff with room for growth.

Mr Alderton said: “We have been in Yorkshire for 130 years as a firm tracing our roots back.

“Yorkshire and our Leeds office, for the last 25 years at Park Lane, has been an integral part of the firm.

“It is the fourth largest office in all the offices around the globe, both by turnover and by numbers, so it is a natural progression for the firm to invest in new premises in Leeds.”